"If you stole my laptop and you are now reading this letter, I would like to say that you can keep the computer and I would like to pay you for my data under D drive," the student wrote.

The student didn't respond to emails or phone calls earlier this week. A Rutgers University police official told MyCentralJersey.com: “We certainly understand the stress a Ph.D. is under, losing that type of work at such a critical juncture. However, posting a flier like that can be risky,” because the student could get ripped off again.

A Rutgers University student's desperate plea to get his laptop back went viral. Facebook